Galen Carroll is set for a formal introduction to the City Council at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

He was named publicly by the city of Modesto in a news release Friday.

Most recently, Carroll served as a commander in the North Patrol Division of Long Beach police. He went from officer to sergeant to lieutenant, and finally, to commander.

Carroll spent more than 18 years with Long Beach police.

"Galen stood out above the rest during the selection process. He is well-grounded, has great integrity, intelligence and an all-around solid candidate," Modesto City Manager Greg Nyhoff said in the release. "In addition to ranking the highest in the process, Galen has a command presence that will be well received by the Police Department."

He will take office Jan. 8. A swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled.

Carroll got his master's degree at Chapman University in Orange, Calif., and also has a bachelors from the University of Phoenix.

He and his wife highly anticipate relocating to the area to be closer to family, the city said.

Modesto Captain Gene Balentine led the department through its transition process.

Chief Mike Harding retired Aug. 3 after serving with the department for 28 years.